Growing your garden this summer? An expert has warned that most vegetables should actually be sown inside – with the exception of these two popular dinner ingredients
It can be hard to know where to begin when you first start planting your own vegetables – which ones should you grow in your garden and which ones are best left inside? Luckily, a garden expert has revealed exactly which two you should plant outside.
As the weather heats up and the days brighten, more of us are getting out into our gardens. In fact, gardening is fast becoming a favourite pastime, as the RHS reports 30 million Brits are picking up the hobby in 2025. And where better to start than growing your very own veg.
Growing your own vegetables can be hugely beneficial. Not only do they instantly add a burst of vitamins and minerals to a meal, they can also help you save money on shop-bought goods.
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Plus, they’re far better for the environment. This is because they don’t have to undergo long transport times or be doused in nasty pesticides.
The only problem is that planting vegetables can be overwhelming, especially for new gardeners. The unpredictable British weather means it’s hard to know which plants are tough enough to be grown outside.
According to Ceri Thomas, a gardening expert from Which? magazine, most vegetables are actually best sown indoors. The two exceptions are carrots and parsnips.
Ceri advised: “I would never sow veg outdoors, apart from carrots and parsnips. You’ll get more reliable results by sowing in a module tray indoors and then planting out later. So, if you sow most veg outside you’ll be wasting money.”
The reason why carrots should be sown directly outdoors is because transplanting them later can greatly disturb the roots. This in torn leads to malformed carrots.
It can also cause them a lot of unnecessary stress, which can stunt their growth. In extreme cases, it can kill the plant completely – leaving you with nothing to show for your hard work.
Parsnips also pose a similar issue when sown indoors. They form a tap root, which is a dominant root that grows directly downwards into the soil and which smaller roots branch off.
Taproots tend to grow deep into the soil and become easily damaged when dug up. Worse still, they may not regrow if cut or damaged.
Ceri also advises that gardeners make sure they’re feeding their crops regularly, regardless of whether they’re inside or outside. This ensures they get all of the nutrients they need to thrive.
Another good tip for growing large healthy carrots and parsnips is to make sure the soil is moist and well-draining. Though, be warned, overwatered soil can lead to root rot.